What is cloud back ?

"The cloud" refers to servers that are accessed over the Internet, and the software and databases that run on those servers. Cloud servers are located in data centers all over the world. By using cloud computing, users and companies don't have to manage physical servers themselves or run software applications on their own machines.

The cloud enables users to access the same files and applications from almost any device, because the computing and storage takes place on servers in a data center, instead of locally on the user device. This is why a user can log into their Instagram account on a new phone after their old phone breaks and still find their old account in place, with all their photos, videos, and conversation history.

What is Cloud Storage?

Cloud storage is a remote platform that uses a highly virtualized, multi-tenant infrastructure to provide enterprises with scale able storage resources that can be provisioned dynamically as required by the organization. This service is offered by a wide array of cloud storage providers.

Traditionally, IT departments managing capacity-strained data centers would "throw boxes at the problem" which meant continuously adding physical storage devices, but that proved to be both expensive and difficult to manage as the amount of data continued to grow exponentially. Unlike dedicated physical devices, clouds provide:

a) Elasticity

b) Scalability

c) Multi-tenancy

d) Metered resources

Cloud Backup vs Cloud Storage

While both use a cloud hosting service, the difference between cloud storage and cloud backup lies within the purpose of storing data in the cloud. With cloud storage, the main purpose is to store files online so they can be accessible anytime and anywhere.

The main purpose of cloud backup, however, is used mostly as an insurance to make sure files are safely copied and stored in case they are needed to restore servers due to an emergency.

Cloud storage Security

Security is an important element in the cloud backup process. The three main considerations are often referred to as the security CIA: confidentiality, integrity and availability.

Most data will move across the public internet on its way to the cloud, so for confidentiality, many cloud backup providers encrypt data throughout the process: at the original location, during transit and at rest in the provider's data center. A user or the provider holds the encryption key. Most organizations prefer to hold their encryption keys, and providers should offer this option. Types of network encryption include Secureanywhere Sockets Layer and Transport Layer Security protocols.

Access control is also important. An organization tightens security by limiting access to cloud backups. Furthermore, write-once, read-only access protects backup data from being overwritten, altered or deleted.